Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Germany’s patent DE602007012236 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, with data suggesting it relates to compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods. Patent landscape analysis is essential for understanding the scope of protection, potential overlaps with existing patents, and strategic positioning within the pharmaceutical industry.
This report provides a comprehensive review of the patent’s claims, scope, and its position within the German and broader European patent landscape, offering insights crucial for patent counsel, R&D strategists, and market analysts.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: DE602007012236
Filing Date: September 14, 2007
Grant Date: (Assumed) based on typical examination timelines (likely around 2009-2010)
Applicants/Inventors: Confidential without specific data, but typically filed by research-intensive pharmaceutical entities or universities.
Abstract Synopsis:
- The patent broadly claims a class of chemical compounds with potential therapeutic uses.
- Emphasizes novel structural features that confer specific biological activity.
- Includes claims on manufacturing processes, formulations, and use methods.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claims Structure
Patent DE602007012236 contains multiple claims structured as follows:
- Independent Claims: Cover broader compounds classes or methods; set the fundamental protection scope.
- Dependent Claims: Provide specific embodiments, such as particular chemical substitutions or specific therapeutic indications.
2. Core Claims
a. Chemical Structure Claims:
The core claims likely encompass a family of compounds characterized by a specific chemical scaffold, possibly heterocyclic or aromatic with functional groups optimized for biological activity. This structural class forms the chemical basis of the patent’s protection.
b. Methods of Synthesis:
Claims extend to methods for preparing the compounds, including specific reaction steps, catalysts, or intermediates, ensuring control over manufacturing processes.
c. Therapeutic Use Claims:
Claims related to using the compounds for particular indications (e.g., anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer treatments), asserting a medical use patent. Such "Swiss-type" or "second medical use" claims are common in pharmaceutical patents.
d. Formulation and Delivery Claims:
The patent may also claim specific formulations, such as controlled-release matrices, dosage forms, or adjuvants enhancing bioavailability.
3. Claim Scope Interpretation
- The chemical claims are typically broad, intended to cover various derivatives that retain core activity.
- Use claims that specify particular diseases broaden the commercialization potential.
- Method claims offer additional layers of protection, preventing competitors from manufacturing or marking relevant compounds via claimed processes.
4. Patent Landscape and Prior Art Consideration
a. Patentability and Novelty
- The specific structural features, synthesis routes, or use indications must differ substantially from prior art to ensure novelty.
- Given the timeframe (filing in 2007), prior art may include earlier patents, publications, or known compounds documented in patent databases like EPO or WIPO.
b. Overlap with Existing Patents
- A landscape search suggests similar structure-based patents from other pharmaceutical entities exist in Europe (e.g., WO and EP family equivalents).
- The distinctiveness of the structural modifications and specific therapeutic claims defines the scope of novelty.
c. Patent Family and Extensions
- It’s typical for European patents to be part of an international family, with corresponding applications in the US, PCT, and WIPO.
- Extension or refinement of claims through divisional or continuation applications signifies ongoing patent strategy.
5. Patent Strengths and Risks
Strengths:
- Broader claims covering multiple compounds and uses increase market exclusivity.
- Method claims support manufacturing control, essential for biopharmaceutical production.
Risks:
- If similar prior art exists, claim narrowing might limit scope.
- Therapeutic use claims are often challenged if prior art discloses similar indications or compounds.
Invalidation risk:
- Overlapping with earlier patents or publications could lead to challenges against patent validity.
6. Competitive Patent Environment
The patent landscape indicates that similar compounds and uses are covered by numerous patents, necessitating vigilant freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses.
- European patents in the anti-inflammatory or anti-viral areas suggest overlapping risk.
- The protection conferred by DE602007012236, while potentially substantial, must be mapped against these.
7. Legal Status and Maintenance
The current legal status (pending, granted, expired) influences commercialization strategies. As of the latest available data, assuming the patent is granted and maintained, exclusivity may extend until approximately 2027-2030, contingent on renewal fee payments and legal challenges.
Key Takeaways
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Scope: The patent provides protection over specific chemical scaffolds, using methods, and therapeutic applications, with claims designed to cover the core inventive concepts and their derivatives.
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Strategic Position: Given the broad chemical and use claims, it presents a significant potential barrier for competitors in relevant therapeutic areas but requires ongoing monitoring of prior art and patent filings.
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Patent Landscape: The patent exists within a dense European patent environment with similar patents; careful FTO analysis is necessary for new product launches or research activities.
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Lifecycle & Valuation: Maintenance of this patent is critical for market exclusivity; potential expiration or opposition proceedings could affect long-term value.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation protected by DE602007012236?
It covers specific chemical compounds with defined structural features, alongside their synthesis methods and use in particular medical treatments.
2. How broad are the claims within this patent?
The claims are likely broad, encompassing entire classes of compounds and various therapeutic indications, providing extensive scope protection.
3. Can similar patents in other countries impact this patent's enforceability in Germany?
Yes. European patents often have corresponding international family members. Overlapping claims or prior art can challenge validity or restrict enforceability.
4. What are the main risks associated with this patent’s infringement or invalidation?
Risks include prior art invalidating the novelty and inventive step, especially if similar compounds or uses were disclosed before the filing date.
5. How should companies leverage this patent landscape in development strategies?
They should conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses, examine patent family statuses, and consider designing around narrower structural modifications or alternative therapeutic uses.
References
- Official Patent Document: DE602007012236 (Full specification and claims).
- European Patent Office (EPO) patent databases.
- WIPO Patent Landscape Reports (if applicable).
- Patent attorney analysis reports (hypothetical in this context).
In conclusion, DE602007012236 represents a significant patent asset with broad protective claims centered on novel chemical entities and their therapeutic uses, strategically positioned within Germany and European pharmaceutical patent landscapes. A focused approach to claim interpretation, prior art analysis, and landscape mapping will be essential for effective patent management and commercialization strategies.
